Absolute tragedy’ as man killed halfway through major waterskiing race by NSW-Victoria border
A man has died after falling during a major annual waterskiing race on the Murray River near the Victoria-NSW border.
Emergency services were called to the river near Perricoota Road in Moama to reports a man had been injured about an hour after events in the Southern 80 competition began this morning.
Paramedics arrived to find the man, who has yet to be formally identified, had died.
NSW Police Chief Inspector Paul Huggett said the man, believed to be aged in his 40s and from regional Victoria, was near the halfway mark in the race when the incident occurred.
“(His team) did everything that they can do to help their mate,” he said at a press conference today.
“The event met all criteria to run by the issuing body so there are no concerns that I am aware of.”
Huggett said the death would affect the community for months to come.
“These incidents are an absolute tragedy they affect all of community, from emergency services to the bloke that owns a fish and chip shop,” he said.
Southern 80 – an annual water ski racing event held in the two border towns that attracts thousands – was cancelled after the incident.
Moama Water Sports Club President Steve Shipp said in a statement that a skier on one of the competing teams had fallen and could not be revived.
“The club is cooperating with NSW Police and Transport for NSW – Maritime, in their investigation into the incident,” he said in a statement.
“As a ski racing family we are here to support the affected family and team members as well the wider ski racing community in this terribly sad time.”
Police are investigating the circumstances of the man’s death and a report is being prepared for the Coroner.
Anyone with footage of the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.
In a separate incident, a man in his 40s injured his leg in Torrumbarry, near the border, and was taken to Echuca Hospital in stable condition.
